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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 4Pt. 6Ch. 8Art. 2§ 8816 Disputed Work Payment Deadlines

§ 8816 Disputed Work Payment Deadlines

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 8816 Disputed Work Payment Deadlines

Key Takeaways

  • •If someone finishes work that others say is wrong, they must tell the boss or the main contractor in writing.
  • •The boss or main contractor has 10 days to say if they accept or reject the work.
  • •If they accept the work, they must pay the money they were holding back for that work within 10 days.

Example

A painter finishes painting a house, but the homeowner thinks the color is wrong. The painter sends a notice saying the work is done as agreed.

The homeowner has 10 days to tell the painter if they accept or reject the paint job. If they accept it, they must pay the painter the money they were holding back within 10 days.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8816 Disputed Work Payment Deadlines

(a) If the direct contractor gives the owner, or a subcontractor gives the direct contractor, notice that work in dispute has been completed in accordance with the contract, the owner or direct contractor shall within 10 days give notice advising the notifying party of the acceptance or rejection of the disputed work. Both notices shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 8100) of Title 1. (b) Within 10 days after acceptance of disputed work, the owner or direct contractor shall pay the portion of the retention relating to the disputed work. (Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 697, Sec. 20. (SB 189) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative July 1, 2012, by Sec. 105 of Ch. 697 and by Section 8052.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

direct contractorsubcontractordisputed workretentionChapter 2 of Title 1

Related Statutes

  • § 8810 Retention Payment Withholding Rules
  • § 8812 Retention Payment Deadlines
  • § 8814 Retention Payment To Subcontractors
  • § 8802 Subcontractor Progress Payments
  • § 8170 Contractor Contract Owner Information

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 8816.
View Official Source